15 Days until the OKC Marathon

 Week 16 report: "How did your run go today Nan?"

Weight: 135

Miles ran this week: 15.5

Miles ran so far in my training: 404.5

On November 17, 2012 I was 4 days away from turning the big 5 OH!  I wanted to Give the Turkey Trot another try 

Shawndra and I before the Turkey Trot 

It was a great day to run and the beautiful Shawndra ran the race with me.  I had not done the TT for two years.  I can't remember my time but I had shaved 10 minutes off of my previous time.  My Dad had been a Widow now for a year and a half and he had taken a great interest in my running since my Mom died.  It really was special to me because when I was a high school athlete I do not recall my Dad ever attending any of my track or cross country meets.  I called my Dad as I did every weekend and he asked me, "How did your run go today Nan?  Did you win?"  It was the last time he asked me about a race.  My Dad went into the hospital in early December and he never checked out.

Family Photo 1972 before Todd.  My Dad was the life of the party!

 It was an agonizing month.  My sister and I took turns being by Dad's side, my brother helped out too.  The running stopped.  From my Dad's room in Hospice at St. Francis I could see that the brand new Down Town YMCA was just about ready to open.  Every time I looked out that window I told myself, I will run again.  My Dad's funeral was on January 3rd, and on that day I ran again.  It was a sad and emotional 3 mile run.  I know I was slow but it was a start.  My training was GREAT the spring of 2013 and I was set to PR at the Prairie Fire Half Marathon in May.

Annette, Shawndra and I at "Runner's For Boston"

 But then sadness struck again with the bomb attack at the Boston Marathon.  Some of my students actually thought I was at the race (little do they know I am just an average runner who probably will never BQ).  It was awesome how the whole running community came together to run for Boston.  We really do have something special we Wichita runners.  I was so excited for my upcoming half marathon and then tragedy stuck again.  This time it was closer to home.  Our beloved School Counselor suddenly passed away the Monday before my half marathon.  Our entire school was filled with a deep sadness.  It was probably the hardest week professionally of my entire teaching career,and it was the hardest thing I have EVER witnessed through the eyes of my students.  I did not sleep, I felt physically horrible.  I had no other runners in my building to talk to because I selfishly was saying to myself "Why did she have to die this week?"  If I would have said that to anyone I would have looked uncaring,  But I imagine that if you are a runner and you are reading this, you "get" how I felt.  With Shawndra by my side as my rabbit I ran the 1/2 Marathon Garmin free.

Brad found it funny that I was #2

 I don't know how I did it but I crossed the finish line at 2:12, two minutes shy of my goal.  Considering my physical exhaustion I am very proud of myself.  Running heals you if you allow it too.  It is always there for you, like a best friend.  How very fitting that my training began and ended with a death.

Helaine, Annette, Shawndra and I after the race.

 Running wise this week, I was a slacker.  Life got in the way and the things that I needed to tend to were more important than running.  I did a 5 mile recovery run on Monday, and on Saturday I did a 12 mile run with the S2F group.  I truly feel a special connection to the runners I have met this running season.  I believe that God put us together for a reason.  And now for another taper week.....

Workouts for the week
Monday: 4 mile run
Tuesday: 3 mile run
Wednesday: 4 mile run
Thursday: REST
Friday: 8 mile run
Saturday: REST and cheering my my S2F friends at the Easter Sun Run
Sunday: Rest